Local Advisory Councils

CSN encourages all consumers to be involved in their Local Advisory Councils (LACs).

The Comprehensive Mental Health Act of 1987 called for the establishment of mental health Local Advisory Councils (LACs) at the county level. Mandated by this legislation was the provision that LAC membership includes people who had received mental health services as adults, people who had received services as children, and family members. The legislative authors understood the importance of giving a voice to people who knew firsthand the strengths and weaknesses of the mental health system. The legislation of 1987 made it a matter of law: consumer voices had to be heard.

LACs are an important vehicle to ensure appropriate care. They are charged to:

• Recommend: Make recommendations regarding the services provided by the local mental health system and report to the County Board.
• Plan: The LAC is to be involved in the development of the biennial community social services plan for the county (or counties). The LAC is to provide the county board with a report of unmet mental health needs of adults residing in the county.
• Coordinate: Receive input about coordination of care between Regional Treatment Center and community-based services, at least annually.
• Inform: Identify for the County Board individuals and agencies to receive information on predictors and symptoms of mental disorders, where mental health services are available in the county, and how to access the services.
• Report: The LAC is to report its recommendations regarding the local mental health system to the State Advisory Council on Mental Health.

LACs operate in at least one third of Minnesota’s 87 counties. To learn more about your LAC or about being involved in the advocacy work of CSN, contact your local Regional Resource Center.